Definition

Noun: An unauthorized (especially deliberate) disclosure of confidential information. This term specifically refers to the act of secret or private information being revealed to the public or the press without official permission, often with an intent to influence events or public perception.

Usage

The term "news leak" is used to describe the event or instance where confidential information is disclosed. It is typically a singular, countable noun. It often carries a connotation of scandal, intrigue, or political maneuvering.

Examples

• The news leak about the secret negotiations caused a major political scandal.
• Investigators are trying to find the source of the news leak that revealed the company's financial troubles.
• A damaging news leak forced the minister to resign from his position.

Advanced Usage

• "To be the result of a news leak": Describes information that became public via an unauthorized disclosure.
  • The published report appears to be the result of a deliberate news leak.
• "To stem/prevent a news leak": Refers to actions taken to stop confidential information from being disclosed.
  • The agency tightened its protocols to prevent future news leaks.

Variants and Related Words

• Leak (noun/verb): The more general term. As a noun, it can refer to the disclosed information itself or the act of leaking. As a verb, it means to disclose secretly.
  • Noun: There was a leak of sensitive data. Verb: Someone leaked the documents to the press.
• Leaker (noun): The person who discloses the confidential information.
  • The identity of the leaker remains unknown.

Synonyms

• Disclosure: A more neutral term for the act of making new information known.
• Revelation: The making known of something that was secret or surprising.
• Unauthorized disclosure: A formal phrase with the same meaning.

Related Phrases

• "To plug a leak": To stop a source from disclosing more information.
  • The administration is desperately trying to plug the leak.
• "A leak to the press/media": Specifies that the confidential information was given to journalists.
  • The scandal began with a leak to the media.

Noun

1. unauthorized (especially deliberate) disclosure of confidential information